John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House, addressed concerns today regarding the continuous Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. During a press briefing, Kirby stated that the United States harbors reservations regarding Israel’s military campaign and that President Biden remains deeply concerned about civilian casualties and the outcomes promised by Israel in terms of reducing them.
He further noted that Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, may have additional engagements in the region when he visits Israel tomorrow. During his visit, Sullivan is expected to discuss the next phase of the military operation in Gaza.
Kirby clarified that Sullivan’s visit will be followed by another visit from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which will also encompass discussions with American forces stationed in the region.
It’s worth highlighting that President Biden, in a recent address to donors from the Democratic Party in Washington, stated that Israel is starting to lose international support for its military campaign against Hamas due to the increasing number of civilian casualties. He called on Israel to learn from America’s mistakes following the September 11 attacks.
Biden also stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must change his approach and that the current Israeli government is the most hardline in Israel’s history.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operations in Gaza since October 7th when Hamas, the Palestinian organization controlling the Gaza Strip, initiated the “Operation Aqsa Storm.”
Thousands of rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel, and Israeli forces entered towns adjacent to the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, primarily settlers, and the capture of around 250 others.
The conflict was punctuated by a seven-day ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, during which prisoner exchanges involving women and children took place, and agreed-upon aid deliveries were made to Gaza. However, military operations resumed on December 1st.
So far, the Israeli assault on Gaza has resulted in over 18,000 casualties, primarily among children and women, and more than 50,000 injuries.
